The Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge is located directly north of the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. The Refuge protects part of Lake Superior's vast wetland complex.The refuge was established in 1999 and is now one of over 560 refuges established by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The objective of the refuge is to protect, restore, and manage coastal wetland and spring-fed stream habitat. The refuge also aims to conserve coaster brook trout. In addition to helping preserve the wetlands, refuge staff help residents improve their own land to better suit the needs of fish and wildlife.